Adam Zampa remains hopeful of earning his place in the Australian Test squad, confident that his skills would hold up in the longer format, despite having played little first-class cricket over the past six years.
Zampa has previously expressed his frustration at missing out on last year's Test tour of India, especially after being told he was a strong contender before selectors chose Queensland's Mitchell Swepson instead. Due to his heavy involvement in white-ball cricket, Zampa has managed to play just two first-class matches since 2019, both for New South Wales after returning to his home state in 2020 following seven years with South Australia. In total, he has only featured in six first-class games since 2017.
"I still believe I have a realistic chance to play Test cricket," Zampa shared on the Final Word podcast. "If I were playing a lot of Shield cricket right now, with the way I'm bowling and the bowler I've become, I think I'd perform really well. The few games I've played in recent years suggest that."
While it is uncommon for Australia to field two spinners in home Tests, the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka early next year could see the team taking multiple spin options to support Nathan Lyon. This upcoming summer schedule may also provide Zampa with a rare opportunity to play some Sheffield Shield cricket, either side of Pakistan's tour in November for ODIs and T20Is.
However, Australian selectors have indicated that performances in the Sheffield Shield aren't the only factor considered when selecting players for subcontinent tours—Glenn Maxwell is also being considered for the Sri Lanka series. Zampa, whose first-class bowling average stands at 46.98, is confident that his game could adapt if given the chance. "Even if I do get selected for upcoming subcontinent tours, some will point to my average of 46 and say it's not good enough. But I know that with the way I'm bowling, I'll be fine," he stated.
Regardless of whether Test cricket is in his future, Zampa has made it clear that he prioritises playing for Australia over participating in franchise leagues, particularly after the high of winning the 2023 ODI World Cup. He opted out of both the IPL and MLC this year and confirmed that he has signed a two-year central contract with Cricket Australia. Currently playing in The Hundred for Oval Invincibles, where he is one of the leading wicket-takers, Zampa mentioned that this tournament fits well with his lifestyle and the current cricket calendar, as Australia is scheduled to tour the UK in September. However, he emphasised that he does not want to spend extended periods away from home unless representing Australia.
"I was fortunate to be part of a World Cup-winning team," Zampa reflected. "Looking ahead, franchise cricket isn’t really for me. I want to keep playing for Australia as long as possible—the feeling of success with the national team is something I want more of. I'm lucky enough to have signed a two-year contract with Australia, and it's based on my desire to play every game for the country. That meant making some decisions about franchise cricket."
Zampa, the only Australian men's bowler with over 100 T20I wickets, will next represent Australia in three T20Is against Scotland early next month, followed by three T20Is against England and then five ODIs.